| Chamber Makes Going Green an Experience |
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By Grace Hodges, VP Programs/Services
Companies of all shapes and sizes are implementing practices to conserve energy and using environmentally-friendly products to reduce their eco footprint. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is among these organizations making small changes that we hope will have a big impact on our planet.
This past year, the Chamber condensed its monthly newsletter publication from 16 printed pages to six pages and provided members with an expanded version via electronic email, saving paper and cutting costs on printing and postage. The staff continues to recycle products with paper recycle boxes in every office and an ink cartridge collection box in the utility room. We also make an effort to turn lights off when leaving our offices - even if only for a short meeting.
Join the Chamber's Small Business Council as they host the Go Green Experience, sponsored by APS. This workshop will review energy-saving tips and cost-saving measures that will have an immediate impact on your business.
Thursday, June 25th
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
General Admission - $5
Document shredding will be provided by TNT Shredding and other local businesses will be on hand to share their green products. To reserve your seat or for more information on hosting a "green" table, please contact Grace at 480-892-0056 or email grace@gilbertchamber.com. |
| Local Businesses Sign Up to Shop Gilbert |
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By Sarah Watts, Executive Assistant
 The Town of Gilbert, like every other town, is dependent on the generation of tax dollars to support the programs and services we have come to expect in our community. The Shop Gilbert campaign- a grassroots effort to encourage residents to put their money where their house is and keep tax dollars in Gilbert- is sponsored by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, The Gilbert Republic, and the Town of Gilbert. In the recent months, more than 200 local businesses have signed up to support the program. Look for Shop Gilbert decals in local store windows and company vehicles. Next time you're spending your hard-earned money, think about spending it right here in your community. Doing so will keep Gilbert a great place to live, work, and play! Enroll in Shop Gilbert or, for more information, contact Sarah at sarah@gilbertchamber.com. |
| Small Business a Large Part of Chamber |
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By Sarah Watts, Executive Assistant
In a recent evaluation of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce's membership demographics it was revealed that more than 70 percent of the businesses represented had between one and ten employees. Another 18 percent of the Chamber's membership is made up of businesses employing between 11 and 50 employees with 13 percent of membership employing more than 50. % of Members/# of Employees
71% / 1-10 employees
10% / 11-20 employees
8% / 21-50 employees
4% / 51-100 employees
7% / 100+ employees
This report is on trend with recent years and shows a slight increase in the number of small-business members and decrease in large-business members. Overall, the Chamber represents almost 51,000 employees on behalf of its membership.
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| SCF Plan Saves Money, Pays Members |
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 Designed exclusively for SCF Arizona policyholders, the SCF Arizona Association Safety Program (ASP) and the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce have partnered to offer members the opportunity to lower the cost of workers' compensation insurance. Last year, participants of the ASP program received more than $115,000 in bonus dividends. In most cases, the discounts and bonuses received through the ASP program more than cover the cost of a Chamber membership! The partnership is an effort to encourage safety in the workplace and includes quarterly safety seminars and monthly tips for increased safety awareness. To learn more about lowering your workers' compensation costs and sharing in group bonus dividends, contact Grace Hodges at grace@gilbertchamber.com or call (480) 892-0056. |
| Congrats to New Mayor, Council |
| By Kathy Langdon, President/CEO
Congratulations are extended to new mayor John Lewis and the newly-elected town council members Jenn Daniels and John Sentz. We look forward to a long relationship with the entire council and staff.
The Chamber will host our first formal meeting with the newly seated council on June 23rd to discuss current business issues as well as present our priorities for the upcoming years.
In addition to policy issues, we will discuss enhancing current and creating new partnerships between the Town and Chamber to promote a healthy vibrant environment that fosters small and large business growth and attraction. Visit our website, www.gilbertaz.com, for more information regarding this and other upcoming events. John Lewis
Mayor
Jenn Daniels John Sentz
Town Council Town Council |
| Gilbert Leadership Renovates, Recruits |
| By Adrianne Lynch, Technology Director
Gilbert Leadership Class XVII was with the Police, Fire and Court departments for the day. The class learned to shoot on the simulator range, toured the police and fire equipment and then participated in a mock trial. Big thanks to HDR for their contribution to the issue day.
Class XVII completed their class project at the museum! They painted, installed new lightning, weather-stripped the windows and doors, added a dropped ceiling and raised enough money to have solar panels put in. All this energy efficient touches will save the museum thousands of dollars a year!
What a great Recruitment Breakfast we had on May 7th! Over 60 in attendance came to learn more about becoming part of Gilbert Leadership and getting involved in the community. Big thanks to MarketSide for sponsoring the breakfast.
Gilbert Leadership, Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders Today!
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| EV Chambers Plan Mission to China |
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By Sarah Watts, Executive Assistant
The Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale and Mesa Chambers of Commerce are working to organize a 9-day packaged tour of China this October, featuring experiences of professional interest in Beijing, Suzhou and Shanghai.
"The opportunity to tour China through the Chamber of Commerce was a lifetime experience," said John Zupon, a member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce who participated in last year's tour. "I was in awe at the magnitude of these cities and humbled by China's ancient history, architecture and fascinating culture."
The package, coordinated by Citslinc, is available at a rate of $1,799 per person and includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, hotel accommodations, three meals per day, site tours and more.
"I traveled with the group last year and was thrilled with the organization of the trip and the accommodations," said Kathy Langdon, President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your seat, call (480) 969-1307, ext. 29 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. Please see the attached flyer for more information, including a complete itinerary. |
| EVCCA Sends Budget Recommendations to Governor, Legislature |
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) sent its budget recommendations letter the Arizona Legislature and Governor Brewer last month as budget discussions continued. The Alliance letter included the following:
Arizona's "Voter Protection Act" Must be Addressed A suspension of the "Voter Protection Act of 1998" should be placed on a statewide ballot as quickly as possible.
Arizona Should Utilize Federal Stimulus Funds Federal Stimulus funds are not long-term solutions but should used if advantageous and considered a bridge from the current recession to the future economic recovery.
Agency Cuts Are Necessary Like businesses, the Arizona Legislature needs to respond to its budget deficit with appropriate reductions in agency spending that do not eliminate the core functions of state government.
The State Equalization Property Tax Should Be Eliminated As the tax and jobs generator of the Arizona economy, Arizona's businesses need a tax structure that encourages growth which includes the elimination of a state property tax.
State Asset Divestiture Should Be Considered Businesses can play an instrumental role in reducing State expenditures and privatization of appropriate state services will reduce operational costs for state government.
Education Funding Needs Reconfigured The EVCCA believes a balanced and equitable statewide education funding formula is a budget solution that needs consideration. Should you have any questions about the aforementioned issues or any other business issues before the Arizona Legislature, please feel free to contact East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance lobbyists, Tom Dorn, Eric Emmert and Heather Bernacki at (602) 606-4667. |
| Save the Date! |
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Plan to attend the 14th Annual Gilbert Community Excellence Awards, sponsored by APS, and help us honor people within the community for their public service and individual contributions to organizations.
Friday, September 18th
6:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Trilogy at Power Ranch
4369 E. Village Parkway, Gilbert
Special entertainment is being planned along with a "Taste of Gilbert". The food is sponsored by Chamber member restaurants for attendees to experience the many menu items offered in our community.
Reservations are required as this event sells out several weeks in advance.
General Admission - $50
Chamber Member Price - $35
Corporate Table (10) - $400
Reserved Table (10) - $350
To make reservations, visit www.gilbertaz.com, email Marty at marty@gilbertchamber.com or call the Chamber office 480-892-0056. |
| Chamber Member Shout Out! |
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The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recognizes the following businesses for their contribution of door prizes or catering last month:
A.L. Russell & Associates
Bed Mart
Crosswoods Indoor Golf Center
Dragon Wok
LaVie Nails & Spa
Polar Ice
Premier Designs
Simply Ravishing Nails
Staples
Waldo's BBQ |
| Did you know? |
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Members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce are eligible to receive discounts on healthcare through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Humana, and Total Dental Administrators...
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Mission: The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce serves as the business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 625 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations. To learn more about or join the Chamber, please contact (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. | |
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| Mark Your Calendar! |
Members of the Chamber's Board of Directors cross the Chamber Challenge finish line, a team building activity that took place as part of the 2009 Annual Board of Directors Planning Session. |
Register to attend any of the Chamber's upcoming events by calling
(480) 892-0056 or online at
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| New Member Welcome Reception |
New members are invited to attend this event for a brief overview of the Chamber's benefits, programs, networking and sponsorship opportunities.
Thursday, June 11th
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
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Free to members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce |
| Business Connections...Network NOW! |
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Grab your business cards and attend this networking event to meet other Chamber members. This fun opportunity includes door prizes and a light breakfast.
Thursday,
June 11th
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 100, Gilbert
Sponsored by:
Members of the Insurance Benefits Committee
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Price - $5
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| 2009 Annual Awards Luncheon |
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Join the Chamber in recognizing new members of the Board and presenting awards including Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
Wednesday, June 17th
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse
1600 E. Lakeside Drive, Gilbert
Sponsored by:
General Admission - $40
Chamber Member Price - $25 |
| Gorilla Marketing Workshop |
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There are no bad markets - just bad marketing.
Learn free and low-cost ways to market your busines in any economy.
Presented by Alonzo Russell of A.L. Russell & Associates
Thursday, June 18th
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
Seating is limited to 25 attendees
Reservation Requested |
| Safety Seminar |
Neck, Back & Shoulder Strain
Bring your employees to this seminar to encourage safety in the workplace through training and education.
Presented by Brendon Gibb of Springbok Chiropractic Clinic.
Wednesday, June 24th
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
General Admission - $10
Lunch included
Reservation Requested |
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| The Go Green Experience |
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Discover long-term solutions for reducing energy use and utilizing eco-friendly products to save money and go green.
Thursday, June 25th
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
General Admission - $5
Reservation Requested
Bring items for shredding! |
| Chairman's Express |
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The following members are recognized for their continued support and contributions to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce:
APS
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Gilbert Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP |
| Premier Members |
| A.L. Russell & Associates
APS
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP
Thorobred Chevrolet
Villa Siena |
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| Membership Anniversaries |
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1-5 YEARS
Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona
Maddy's Pool Supply & Service
Molly Maid of Gilbert
Rayhons Financial Solutions / ING Financial Partners
TCF Bank
6-10 YEARS
A Better Choice Home Inspections, Inc
Costco Wholesale #433
LeSueur Investments
11- 15 YEARS
Everest College |
| Website Referrals |
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Listings Displayed in Directory
Arizona Bank and Trust Arizona Business Bank Bolero's at Seville Golf & Country Club Community Bank of Arizona First International Bank & Trust Jimmy's of Chicago M&I Bank M&I Bank - Higley Village M&I Bank- William's Field Meridian Bank, NA Coupon List View
A Mug You Can Trust
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
Brilliant Deductions
Discover Chiropractic
Elements Therapeutic Massage
Infinite Healing Center
International Minute Press of Gilbert
Papa Johns Pizza
Super Suppers Gilbert
Watch Me Grow Child Care - Lindsey Groves Location
Sponsor Image Click
ABC Plumbing and Rooter Co., Inc.
APS
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Big League Dreams Gilbert
Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Gilbert Elks Lodge #2848
M&I Bank- William's Field
Polar Ice
SRP
Website Clicked On
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
Cozy Weddings of Gilbert
Golba Group Realty & Property Management
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Gilbert
Maddy's Pool Supply & Service
Open Rain Elite Software
Sunrise Urology, PC
Ultimate Tan
Valley Capital Bank
Warren's Jazz Bistro
Watch Me Grow Child Care - Lindsey Groves Location
Map of Location
Displayed
Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites
Bolero's at Seville Golf & Country Club
Capital Consultants Management Company
Chick-Fil-A of San Tan Village
Community Bank of Arizona
Farm House Restaurant
Gilbert Sudden Values
Jimmy's of Chicago
Joe's Farm Grill
Property Sales & Management |
| You Say It Best! |
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"Being a Gilbert Chamber member has allowed us to serve the community and build relationships with many of Gilbert's great leaders. I wish we had become a member the first day we opened our doors."
JW Rayhons
Rayhons Financial Solutions |
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